Magazine Lust: Elle Decoration France

From the country that brought you crème brulée, haute couture, and Marie Antoinette*, comes that grande dame of all decorating magazines, Elle Decoration France. Every issue is a treasure trove of interiors indulgence, and I'm like a greedy pirate plundering its glimmering pages.

The magazine highlights a mix of decorating styles, but I'm especially drawn to these antiques-laden spaces. Think rundown manors and timeworn pieds-à-terre--just right for hosting elite soirées or holing yourself away to pen your ouevre.

Even if you don't succumb to fits of ecstasy at the sight of all this faded glory (and in that case, what's wrong with you?!) there's still some serious inspiration to be gained from all this neoclassical goodness. Textures are multilayered, colors are rich and complex. Royal purple bench? Come to mama, my pretty!

And who knew that chartreuse and mauve is a match made in heaven? I love the idea of creating a hallway haven by painting the walls the same hue as the curtains, then lining the curtains in a dramatically different shade. Gleaming white floors and a crazy-quirky cabinet don't hurt either.

Another lesson from les français: even in opulence there must be order. Absent is the tacky, classless brick-a-brack of other periodicals (cough, Architectural Digest, cough). Instead you'll find carefully edited objets that seem to have grown organically over centuries.

Of course that doesn't mean you should take your vows of abstinence from les plaisirs! A massive gilt mirror is the ultimate in French fabulousness, especially in the bathroom. Drape your silk negligée over the chair and slather yourself with expensive body cream--preferably one that contains caviar.

You know how French girls possess that uncanny ability to look stunning no matter what they're wearing? Apparently that applies to French interiors as well. Damask wallpaper in robin's egg blue, fussy gold upholstery, and ancient prints matted in crinkled card--somehow it's totally working for me. Do we think Garance would approve?

It doesn't get better than this. A grey claw foot tub projects quiet continental élan, and mocha cream walls envelop the space with warmth. Battered wood floors offset the lavish rococo curves of the mirror and fixtures. The only thing missing? Me, in the bath, with a flute of champagne.

*Yeah yeah, technically Marie Antoinette was Austrian, but just go with it, okay?

All images courtesy of Elle Decoration France .

Comments

[christina]

Love the chartreuse and mauve combo. Stunning! And the well-thought out "objects" in the little cubbies are just perfect.

[Daniella]

Lovely photos as always! I'm obsessed with all things french... the purple bench and huge gold mirror are gorgeous!

[CashmereLibrarian]

It's funny you should say this about "bric-a-brac" because I was looking at one of my Paris design books this past weekend, and thinking how much I preferred the "realness" of French interior design photography versus the highly styled American interior design magazines. I prefer to see people use their furniture, shelves and tables--I hate when it looks like some interior decorator bought everything--it's so impersonal!

Anyway, I think the book I was looking at was from Elle Decor but I can't remember the name. Perhaps the books feature different homes than in the mag?

Anyway, beautiful things...

[The Perfect Palette]

such a beautiful collection of living spaces

[caroline - patagonia gifts]

ooohhh I'm in love with that royal purple bench! I'm a sucker for purple! thanks! :)

[cathi]

Beautiful photos! I will take the first room and the purple bench...! Have a great day!

[Kristin @ Contented Me]

I feel so out of the loop -- I haven't been online in weeks! Thanks for the lovely inspiration today to get me back in the swing of things!

[Susan]

wow! what an inspiration, darling!
xoxo

[Emily]

French style is so fantastic - always a cut above other styles in my mind! The colors used in these photos are exquisite.

Also, I tagged you in the Kreativ Blogger awards b/c I just love reading your blog and wanted to recognize how awesome it is!

Check it out here: http://themarginalian.blogspot.com/2009/09/tag-youre-it.html

[Waxy]

Love any decor magazine images not from the US!

[mary jo]

Love the gray! The light in that photo is just stunning!

xo

[Lilah]

It's so elegant and earthy at the same time! I really love that combo. I think you can only come by it a bit organically :-). I love the staircase with the gorgeous banister, I want the gilt mirror too (and the aforementioned cream with caviar!)

[Jeanne]

Love that wallpaper and I never love wallpaper...on the walls that is.

[A Life More Fabulous]

I've been obsessing with gorgeous, gilded mirrors...these are beautiful. Love the claw foot tub!

[ambika]

Love the purple elements in these rooms--especially the walls with a hint of gray to them.

[Down and Out Chic]

gorgeous...ALL of it. i especially like that stairway with the crystal (looking) banister thing (ugh, what's it called again?). anyway, you get my point!

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